Agenda Contents
North Ayrshire Council · 16 September 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 16 September 2026 and its agenda
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE North Ayrshire Council A Meeting of North Ayrshire Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at 14:00 to consider the undernoted business. Meeting Arrangements - Hybrid Meetings This meeting will be held on a predominantly physical basis but with provision, by prior notification, for remote attendance by Elected Members in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003. Where possible, the meeting will be live-streamed and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home. 1 Apologies 2 Declarations of Interest Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda. 3 Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 24 June 2026 will be confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7(1) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (copy enclosed). 4 Provost's Report Submit report by the Provost for the period covering 15 June 2026 - 6 September 2026 (copy enclosed). 5 Leader's Report Submit report by the Leader of the Council for the period covering 15 June 2026 - 6 September 2026 (copy enclosed).
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 6 Minute Volume (issued under separate cover) Submit, for noting and for approval of any recommendations contained therein, the Minutes of Meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 30 April to 1 September 2026. 7 Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board: Minutes of Meeting Submit report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) on the Minutes of the Community Planning Partnership Board held on 2 June 2026 (copy enclosed). 8 Appointment to Outside Body The Council is invited to appoint Councillor Currie to serve on the Ardrossan Harbour Reference Group. 9 Scottish Government Programme for Government 2026-31 Submit report by the Chief Executive on the Scottish Government Programme for Government 2026-31 (copy enclosed). 10 Annual Review of Governance Documents The Council is invited to consider the following reports in terms of the annual review of the Council's suite of Governance documents which regulate the operation of Council, its committees and officers. 10.1 Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees Submit report by the Chief Executive on the Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees (copy enclosed). 10.2 Scheme of Administration Submit report by the Chief Executive on the Council's Scheme of Administration (copy enclosed). 10.3 Scheme of Delegation to Officers Submit report by the Chief Executive on the Council's Scheme of Delegation to Officers (copy enclosed). 10.4 Other Key Governance Documents Submit report by the Chief Executive on other key governance documents regulating the operation of the Council, its committees and officers (copy enclosed). 11 Committee Timetable 2027 Submit report by the Chief Executive on a proposed timetable of meetings of the Council and its committees for the period from January - May 2027 (copy enclosed).
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 12 Reducing Misogyny in Schools Submit report by the Executive Director (Education) on the adoption of a policy to reduce misogyny in schools (copy enclosed). 13 Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submit:- (1) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: "Does the Cabinet Member for Education still believe that North Ayrshire Council should cut teacher numbers?" (2) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: "At the recent Corporate Health and Safety Group it was noted that there has been a very large increase in the incidents of Aggression and Violence within Education. In particular for Q1 in 24/25 there were 212 incidents, in 25/26 there were 290 incidents and in 26/27 there were 443 incidents. This equates to an increase of over the last three years of 108%. Meaning a doubling of such incidents. Can the Cabinet Member explain why the increase and what steps have been taken to minimise these incidents in future to ensure the safety and support of staff?" (3) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in the following terms: "Does the Cabinet Member for HSCP, like her predecessors and leader of the council support the Scottish Government’s Anti-Racism Action Plan and the use of bias training and ‘culturally responsive’ training in North Ayrshire Council’s social work department?" (4) a question a question by Councillor D. L Reid to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the approximate costs incurred by NAC to clear the rubbish from a field near the Bailey Bridge in Irvine and the old Garnock rugby pitch at Lochshore in Kilbirnie which were recently littered with trees, wood, branches, stones and various bags of rubbish and other items including any legal costs incurred?"
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (5) a question by Councillor Angus-McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in the following terms: "Could the Cabinet member tell us how many people have lost their care packages due to the IJB's “Critical Only” policy since the last council meeting?" (6) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Does the Cabinet Member agree with me that the current Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) as is taught in Scottish Schools is contributing to the long- term decline in Scottish Education as measured by PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)?" (7) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "Can the Cabinet Member for the Green Economy and Environment advise how long the Council has been installing solar panels on social housing in North Ayrshire and whether those installations contribute to carbon offsetting in relation to the Council’s net zero goals?" (8) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "Can the Cabinet Member for the Environment and Green Economy confirm when the full results of the 20mph consultation will be made available to elected members and the public?" (9) a question by Councillor Foster to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: "Throughout the development of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, elected members were told that the new attraction at Irvine harbourside would be of “national significance” much like the Kelpies in Falkirk, an attraction that brings an additional 20,000 visitors to the Falkirk area every week. What is the Council Leader’s estimate of how many additional visitors Irvine can expect from the first phase?" (10) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: "Does the Cabinet Member agree that the future implementation of the draft Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC) will improve outcomes for pupils?"
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (11) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "How many ‘parking tickets’ has the council issued to cars parked on or around Victoria Roundabout in Irvine, such as the slips from the roundabout onto Dublin Quay, Cochrane Street, Harbour Road, Boyle Street and Church Street, and of those issued and how many have been rescinded with no payment?" (12) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: “In light of increasing interest in hyperscale data centre developments across Scotland, can the Cabinet Member confirm whether any new or revised guidance has been published by the Scottish Government regarding the planning, environmental, energy, or infrastructure implications of such developments, and how this will influence the Council's approach to any proposals received?" (13) a question by Councillor Currie to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: “Arran has experienced another summer of disruption to the island’s ferry service, letting down residents, businesses, and visitors. The Council commissioned Fraser of Allander Institute to undertake an economic analysis of the ferry’s contribution to the island's economy - using that work as a benchmark, can the Cabinet Member tell us what impact the disruption to the ferry service this summer has had on the island’s economy?" (14) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "Can the Cabinet Member outline the progress to date on the development of the Millport Marina?" (15) a question by Councillor McLean to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: "Would the Council Leader agree to an external investigation into complaints made about the Vineburgh Community Centre in as far as they relate to the Council’s involvement with the Centre and the operators?"
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (16) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: "Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the provision of single-sex toilet facilities across North Ayrshire schools and confirm whether all schools now provide single sex toilets?" (17) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: "Following the recent UK government release which referenced practices at a number of organisations including Collins Care Ltd which operates Treetops and Treetops Two nurseries in North Ayrshire , can the Cabinet Member advise what engagement there has been with the organisation?" (18) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member please provide a breakdown of the costs involved in creating the new playpark and toilets in Irvine?" (19) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: "Can the Cabinet Member update Council on progress concerning the register of Common Good assets?" (20) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "Can the Cabinet Member please provide a date for the installation of the new Motor Home & Camper Van Pilot Scheme, at Bowencraig in Largs?" (21) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: "Does the Leader of the Council support the proposal to amalgamate the three Ayrshire Council's and what benefits does the Leader think this would bring to North Ayrshire?" 14 Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submit:-
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (1) a motion by Councillor Todd Ferguson, seconded by Councillor Montgomerie, in the following terms: "Council notes the long and distinguished service of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, its antecedent regiments, and the generations of soldiers who have served with courage and distinction at home and overseas. Council recognises the Regiment’s enduring connections with North Ayrshire and the wider Ayrshire community. Furthermore, we recognise the continuing sacrifices of serving personnel, veterans, and especially their families. Council therefore resolves to: • Confer the Freedom of North Ayrshire upon The Royal Regiment of Scotland, admitting the Regiment as an Honorary Freeman of North Ayrshire, in recognition of its distinguished service to Scotland and the nation. • Invite the Regiment to exercise that Freedom on a date suitable to both the Regiment and the Council through a formal civic parade in North Ayrshire, with Colours flying, bayonets fixed, Pipes and Drums playing, and the Regimental mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV, participating, subject to the Regiment’s availability and the necessary arrangements. • Invite the people of North Ayrshire to line the parade route and join the Council in marking this historic occasion. • Present the Freedom Scroll following the parade. Request officers work with the Regiment and relevant internal and external partners to agree the parade route, and arrangements for the presentation of the Freedom scroll." (2) a motion by Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor Stewart Ferguson, in the following terms: "Council asks the Chief Executive to write to the Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council seeking clarification on the effect of the motion passed by East Ayrshire Council on 25th June 2026 which stated that East Ayrshire Council would not enter into any agreements with Reform UK Councillors and in particular what impact this may have for the Shared Economic Development Service between both Councils and other working arrangements." (3) a motion by Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor Stewart Ferguson, in the following terms: "Council instructs officers to review the information on the Council’s website relating to their service remits to ensure that all policies and relevant information are publicly available."
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (4) a motion by Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor Stewart Ferguson, in the following terms: “North Ayrshire Council notes 1. The outcome of a judicial review by Glasgow City Councillor Fiona Higgins against the Standards Commission for Scotland at the Court of Session in relation to the Standards Commission for Scotland's refusal to accept evidential documents in advance of a conduct hearing. 2. That the Court of Session decided that the Standards Commission for Scotland did not have a substantive right to refuse to consider evidence that an individual was entitled to have taken into account, and that its decision to refuse to accept seven of the documents submitted by Councillor Fiona Higgins was not lawful. 3. The outcome of this case has prompted a cross-party campaign to dissolve the Office of the Ethical Standards Commissioner and Standards Commission for Scotland and for structural reform. Therefore: 1. In light of the judicial review, Council expresses concern at the findings of the case and instructs the Chief Executive to write to the First Minister calling on the Scottish Government to review the functions and operations of the Office of the Ethical Standards Commissioner and the Standards Commission for Scotland, and to implement any necessary structural reforms including support for greater freedoms and protections for Councillors akin to what parliamentarians receive. 2. Council asks the Council Leader to table or support a motion of no confidence or calls for review of the Office of the Ethical Standards Commissioner and Standards Commission for Scotland at a future COSLA Leaders’ meeting inviting other local authorities to support a motion of no confidence to build momentum for change.” 15 Urgent Items Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent.
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Webcasting Please note: this meeting may be filmed/recorded/live-streamed to the Council's internet site and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home,where it will be capable of repeated viewing. At the start of the meeting, the Provost/Chair will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed/recorded/live-streamed. You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the Data Protection Act 2018. Data collected during the webcast will be retained in accordance with the Council’s published policy, including, but not limited to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available via the Council’s internet site. Generally, the press and public will not be filmed. However, by entering the Council Chambers and using the press or public seating area, you acknowledge that you may be filmed and that any information pertaining to you contained in the video and oral recording of the meeting will be used for webcasting or training purposes and for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available to the public. In making this use of your information the Council is processing data which is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest. If you have any queries regarding this and, in particular, if you believe that use and/or storage of any particular information would cause, or be likely to cause, substantial damage or distress to any individual, please contact dataprotectionofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE North Ayrshire Council Sederunt Nairn Angus-McDonald John Bell Marie Burns Eleanor Collier Joe Cullinane Charles Currie Scott Davidson Anthea Dickson Stewart Ferguson Todd Ferguson Robert Foster Scott Gallacher Tony Gurney Alan Hill Mary Hume Cameron Inglis Margaret Johnson Amanda Kerr Christina Larsen Shaun Macaulay Tom Marshall Jean McClung Louise McLaughlan Matthew McLean Davina McTiernan Jim Montgomerie Ian Murdoch Donald Reid Donald L Reid Chloe Robertson Ronnie Stalker Angela Stephen John Sweeney Chair: Apologies: Attending: